I work in an FE Library, though I have two Library Assistants to help run
the unit. We operate a strict policy on mobile phones, drinking, chatting
etcetc - if they come in with food, drink, or a mobile phone they are given
a choice - either they take the food outside to eat it, or they leave it at
the counter with staff until they are leaving the Library. With mobile
phones, they are asked to switch them off. If they won't cooperate, they're
asked to leave. If they're chatting then we suggest they go to the refectory
to talk and come back to the Library when they're ready to work. In the
event of someone refusing to leave (this has not happened yet!) I would
phone for a Janitor/Security man to come and escort the student outside.
I find that if you are consistent and non-confrontational, people will
generally cooperate. Of course, they will always try to sneak their cans of
Irn Bru and mobile phones in, but a scary Librarian-like stare seems to do
the trick.
Perhaps you could try drawing up a Code of Conduct? If you liaise with
Student Services, then you could get all students to sign this when they
enroll in the College. It doesn't have to be Library specific, but it could
mention the Library. If you operate a members-only library, then you can
always threaten to take their membersip away. With really disruptive
students then I agree with Catherine - it might help to contact their
guidance tutors, but I wouldn't recommend this as a general solution -
Lecturers tend to feel they have enough on their plates and might not be
keen to support you if you call on them too often.
I don't think there is a straightforward answer to this one, but, like I
said, be consistent and persistent - if you nag them enough, they will get
the message in the end!
Catriona Fisher
-----Original Message-----
From: For librarians working towards registration on the CILIP register
of Chartered Members, [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Kimber, CE (Catherine)
Sent: 20 June 2002 16:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: FE libraries
I don't work in an FE library, but I used to teach. The only way is to
report incidents further up the line and have someone backing you up. No
one person (except very scarey people) has enough clout to stop bad
behaviour; it's always the fear of the *next* person telling them off.
I can only suggest complain about individuals' behaviour to their personal
tutors and some at least should back you up. And bring it up with
department heads etc.
Catherine
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanessa Jones [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, 20 June, 2002 2:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FE libraries
Are any of you out there in sole charge of library / learning resource units
in F.E. colleges? If so, I'd like some feedback on how you deal with
student behaviour. For example, the constant patrolling to ensure no drinks,
food etc. Mobile phone hassle, general unacceptable behaviour. I feel that
none of my qualifications or training prepared me for dealing with difficult
users. In fact, one of my friends, who works in a prison library, seems to
have an easier time of it than me!
Vanessa Jones
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